Bali Fashion Week eyes international attention
Bali Fashion Week eyes international attention
DENPASAR (JP): With the country facing a serious downfall
socially, politically and economically, Bali is still eager to
hold the second Bali Fashion Week at Grand Bali Beach Hotel in
Sanur from May 9 through May 13.
Organized by Bali Moda Foundation, the Fashion Week is mainly
aimed at providing a forum for local designers, garment
producers, manufacturing and exporters to promote their creations
and products to local and international potential buyers.
Designer Mardiana Ika, chairwoman of the organizing committee,
said recently in Kuta, Bali, that the event was also a good
opportunity for related parties to meet each other and to make
business transactions.
"Last year (the first Bali Fashion Week), business
transactions were very good. Many of participants received a bulk
of orders," said Ika, also managing director of Hong Kong-based
Butoni fashion.
This year's Fashion Week will be participated in by a large
number of young designers such as Aliki, Monika Weber and Rizal
as well as garment and textile producers, producers of leather
goods, accessories and jewelry.
"I admitted it was very hard to convince some people to take
part in the coming event. Many first agreed to participate but at
the last minute canceled," said Ika, a graduate of the London
College of Fashion.
Ika said she understood that the current situation had
discouraged designers and other participants from taking part in
exhibitions and trade fairs both here and abroad.
"Our economy is at its lowest ebb. But, in my opinion, we have
to do something to promote Indonesian products otherwise we will
left out by international buyers," Ika said.
Potential buyers who have contacted the organizing committee
come from various countries such as Indonesia, Japan, Hong Kong,
Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Greece, Spain, France,
Germany, the United States, South Africa and Middle East
countries.
"Don't forget the Bali Fashion Week will be extensively
covered by local and international media, therefore participants
will benefit from worldwide coverage," Ika added.
Ika went on to say that reputable print and broadcast media
such as CNN, Fashion Channel, The South China Morning Post, Japan
Business News, Book Moda would be covering the event.
"If you have your work shown on CNN, how many people will see
it? How many buyers will view your creations?" Ika said.
She said she had the full support of the Bali provincial
government, the Bali Tourism Board (BTB), the Indonesian Chamber
of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), the Indonesian Fashion
Designers Association (APPMI) and the Indonesian Fashion
Designers Council (IPMI).
"It Is lucky that Bali is still safe and many foreigners are
still willing to travel to the island," she said.
The event is expected to promote Indonesian products in the
international fashion markets.(raw)